Literary Criticism: Guide Questions for Analyzing Les Miserables

IV. Formalistic Approach:

A. How do the various elements interact to create a unified whole?
B. How has the linear plot reinforce the unified element of the story?
C. What figures of speech are used? (metaphors, similes, etc.)
D. Note the writers use of paradox, irony, symbol, plot, characterization, and style of
narration.What effects are produced? Do any of these relate to one another or to the theme?
E. Is there a relationship between the beginning and the end of the story?
F. What tone and mood are created at various parts of the work?
G. How does the author create tone and mood? What relationship is there between tone and mood
and the effect of the story?

V. Historical Approach:
(Biographical)
A. What aspects of the authors personal life are relevant to this story?
B. Which of the authors stated beliefs are reflected in the work?
C. Do any of the events in the story correspond to events experienced by the author?
D. Do any of the characters in the story correspond to real people?

VI. (Historical)
E. How does it reflect the time in which it was written?
F. How accurately does the story depictthe time in which it is set?
G. How does the story reflect the attitudes and beliefs of the time in which it was written or set?
(Consider beliefs and attitudes related to race, religion, politics, gender, society, philosophy, etc.)
H. What historical events or movements might have influenced this writer?
I. How important is it the historical context (the works and the readers) to interpreting the work?

VII. Marxist Approach: This approach focuses on mans relationship to others in society, politics, religion, and
business.

A. Does the story address societal issues, such as race, class, etc.?
B. How do social forces shape the power relationships between groups or classes of people in the
story? Who has the power, and who doesnt? Why?
C. How does the story reflect urban, rural, or suburban values?
D. Does the story address issues of economic exploitation? What role does money play?
E. How do economic conditions determine the direction of the characters lives?
F. Do any of the characters correspond to types of government, such as a dictatorship, democracy,
communism, socialism, fascism, etc.? What attitudes toward these political structures/systems are
expressed in the work?

VIII. Feminist Criticism:

A. How are womens lives portrayed in the work?
B. Is the form and content of the work influenced by the writers gender?
C. How do male and female characters relate to one another? Are these relationships sources of
conflict? Are these conflicts resolved?
D. Does the work challenge or affirm traditional views of women?
E. How do the images of women in the story reflect patriarchal social forces that have impeded
womensefforts to achieve full equality with men?
F. If a female character were male, how would the story be different (and vice versa)?